The 29-year-old had been omitted from recent Roja squads following a poor run of form for Chelsea but, having enjoyed a strong end to the campaign - which included a goal in the Europa League final - the striker has now returned to the international fold.

He said: "It’s a joy to be here for a tournament like this that we have never won, and for me to make the group.

"We are looking forward, we want to be the last team in the tournament and to come back with the trophy.

"I missed the last two squads and it has always taken a lot to be selected. It is not easy, there are many team-mates who are doing well, but the end of the season has been very good for my team and me.

"I had the ambition to return and I now want to play and train and keep doing things well."

The former Liverpool man also commented on Jose Mourinho's Chelsea return and admitted he hopes to impress his new coach by enjoying a successful Confederations Cup campaign.

"There were a lot of rumours and now it is confirmed. But first we have a very nice challenge ahead of us in the Confederations Cup, which will require 100 per cent," he added.

"Once completed we can think about next season, with hope and knowing that we have a very demanding coach."

The reigning world and European champions kick off their campaign against Uruguay on June 16.